Neutral Zone Wrap: The Down-The-Stretch Awards

Recognizing achievements is a tradition as old as time itself. From the party thrown by cavepeople to celebrate their discovery of fire to the endless array of emojis covering every step of our lives, we enjoy showing appreciation for what others have done. But this process can go too far.

The number of awards handed out annually is staggering. So many people have earned some prize over their career it's probably easier to find those who haven't won anything. And in recent times, organizations have been eager to highlight negative efforts. For every Oscar, there's an equal and opposite Razzie.

Let's pile on the recognition by looking back and slightly ahead to highlight a few NHLers who merit fame (or infamy):

The 'Stop the Season, I Want to Get Off!' Award

Some skaters are surprisingly having productive campaigns. While most of them would surely like to see how far they can climb, others may secretly be hoping to freeze time so their current stats will live on for eternity. A few popular examples stand out, but let's focus on one.

Winner:Mikko Koivu, Minnesota

The blonder of the Koivu brothers, Mikko continues to be the soul to Zach Parise's heart in Minnesota. Last year, he regressed to his lowest career point-per-game output (48 in 80) since his rookie year. He's posting almost identical minutes this season (almost 20, including over three on the power play), yet the points are flowing (42 in 59). What Koivu has working against him is twofold. The obvious factor is age, which seems harsh since 32 for a center is the new 28. But still, the inevitable downturn has begun (10 in his last 21). And then there's his competition down the middle. Mikael Granlund had been struggling (a stretch of two in 14), but looks to be rounding back into form (five in six). And Erik Haula is pushing hard for a top-six role with some excellent efforts (nine in seven).

The Next Shayne Gostisbehere Award

We could be looking for the next Erik Karlsson, but A, we don't want to be greedy, and B, Tyson Barrie is already doing some semblance of a Karlsson impression in Colorado. Remember, Gostisbehere was groomed to be the power-play quarterback (as the heir to Mark Streit), but missed almost all of 2014-15 due to injury. And look what he's doing now. Who can be ready to step in and help a sputtering offense soon?

Winner:Mike Reilly, Minnesota

The Jackets originally drafted Reilly in the fourth round back in 2011, but they could never sign him. The University of Minnesota standout tore up the NCAA as a senior (led D-men nationally with 42 in 39), declared himself a free agent, and ultimately opted to stay in state. The path to instant success for Reilly may be daunting, seeing how the incumbent Ryan Suter (14 power-play points), established Jared Spurgeon (eight), and rising Mathew Dumba (11) sit ahead of him on the man-advantage depth chart. But Reilly has already started to show some skills at the pro level (four in five), which is only a preview of how dynamic he can become.

The Hamburglar Effect Award

We've seen how one goaltender can go on a monster run and end up – with the help of a famous fast-food chain – a local folk hero. Which goalie is going to play out of his mind from here on out to raise his club into playoff position?

Winner:Cory Schneider, New Jersey

It's so tempting to select Devan Dubnyk, considering how close the Wild are to the (no pun intended) wild-card race. But we do have a limit on winners from each NHL lineup –you got it, that limit is two. Even though the teams directly above the Devils in the standings have games in hand, there's no denying Schneider's ability to singlehandedly take over a game (he remains around the top of the league in both GAA and save percentage) and make up for any attacking deficiencies. You certainly can't count on the ragtag bunch of misfits better known as the Jersey offense (you know, the one with the fewest goals in the league) to consistently save the day.

The Ryan Johansen Escape Award

This recognition is given to the player who badly needs a change of scenery, whether due to an impasse with the coach, tension with teammates, or pressure from media and fans. The trade deadline is on the horizon, so who's the next wantaway to get his way?

Winner:Andrew Ladd, Winnipeg

This isn't to say Ladd (whose contract expires this summer) is unhappy and publicly expressing his desire to leave. But after the Jets inked potential UFA Dustin Byfuglien to a hefty multi-year extension earlier this month, the captain should sense that management won't be able to offer enough to retain his services. Ladd, 30, still provides better-than-average scoring (16 goals, 17 assists), so there will be no shortage of suitors for his services if he hits the market. And with Winnipeg falling quickly, there's a good chance that will happen.

The Veteran Who Just Can't Say When Award

A quick skill decline or physical breakdown often indicates to a seasoned player when he should hang up the skates. Unfortunately, a few ignore these signs and continue to play well after their expiry date. Remember when a broken-down Peter Forsberg foolishly attempted multiple comebacks? How about the latter Detroit stages and forgettable attempt in Atlanta by an aging Chris Chelios? There are many solid candidates from whom to choose, but the following trying-to-achiever comes out on top:

Winner:Vincent Lecavalier, Los Angeles

Any of Shawn Thornton, David Clarkson, or Michal Rozsival could have been up for consideration, but none are attempting to do so much and accomplish so little as Lecavalier. Not saying Vinny is slow at 35, but John Scott could probably lap him in a race to the blue line and back. Since leaving Tampa in 2013, the former Rocket Richard winner's career could best be described as a train wreck. When the Kings rescued Lecavalier from Philly soon after New Year's, it was assumed he would settle into a lesser role. He initially impressed in LA (three consecutive contests with power-play goals), but the latest numbers (scoreless in six) lie closer to expectations. And don't be fooled by the ice-time boost, as that's only the product of alternating injuries to Anze Kopitar and Jeff Carter.

Key Matchups

The weather may not be heating up, but the playoff races sure are. So stay inside, keep warm, and watch these games:

Wednesday: Pittsburgh at Boston. As the TV promo claims, this is a rivalry of the highest proportions. Maybe not as feisty as days gone by, but still chippy enough to satisfy your inner Ulf Samuelsson.

Thursday: Nashville at Chicago. Can the Preds continue their strong road run? Will the Blackhawks be able to recover from their spanking in the Hockey State?

Saturday: NY Rangers at Dallas. Just when you thought the Stars were getting back on track, they pull out three straight stinkers. The Rangers love their home cooking and Dallas won't welcome them graciously.

Sunday: Florida at Minnesota. The young guns and a couple classic models are shooting their way to the top, but will have it tough against a desperate Wild squad looking to sneak into the postseason.